Music is a gift of God. From the beginning of creation till its consummation as written in Revelation. The songs and music has accompanied the journey of all lives. Be it for the Israelites from the exodus events, with the disciples of Jesus himself, till today. Music and songs are part of the everyday life expression of Christians. What is Christmas without songs and Christmas carols? We dare not ask or even think of it. When Christ was born on the very first Christmas night, angels were singing and heavenly music filled the earth as described by the Gospel writers. It has led many creative hands, gifted voices and imaginative minds to write new songs and music every year during this season.
The little drummer boy comes out of this passionate expression of the significance of the baby born in Bethlehem. It has become one of the most beloved Christmas Carols for around 150 years now. The story is about a poor boy that had no gift for the King Jesus and therefore played his drum as a gift. The music was told to have pleased the little baby, as he smiled and delighted. Written in the 1940’s by Katherine K. Davis, the song conveys a simple message that we often forget. It is a fable not a historical event. Yet it has warmed the hearts of millions, with its subject matter: the little boy gave the best he had; not his drum, but his precious time and his invaluable talent of playing the drums. He gave the best he had at that moment in time. He could have come back few hours later and present the little baby Jesus with something different and worthwhile. But no, he chose the best he had was to present the King with his gift of playing the drum. This may be a fable, but a reality for many of us. Acts 20:35b reminds us the significance of “God gave” Jesus Christ for us, in that Jesus demonstrated with his life as he said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”. The Little boy did his best with giving the best he had.
The Pandemic has curtailed our plans; has taken many lives that we loved. It has fed us with fear, anxieties and insecurities. Yet it has brought out the positive side of humanity as well. We witnessed thousands of individuals, group of peoples, NGOs, Churches and others helping around. They did not wait till things turn better for themselves. They did not wait till they feel it was easier to help. They did not wait for the next season to start. When presented with circumstances, they gave their best.
Despite belonging to various faiths, they selflessly demonstrated the God’s command of giving in times of need. Many demonstrated what we often remind during the season of Christmas, that is, to focus on what we can give to others rather than focusing on what we will be getting. We may have several issues that the pandemic and lockdown has created. Migrants who are in need of shelter and food, loss of jobs, overcrowding and homelessness, social discrimination, domestic violence, and many others. Matthews 25:40 teaches us that as we serve our fellow humans, we are also serving our savior Jesus Christ.
Let our wisdoms and our words be not just fables and our voice and action not be like noises but music that lifts others around us. This Christmas season, there are plenty of things to be cheerful for and many more to overcome. But I must remind you this, do not wait when Christ is lying in our road sides, in our community and in our neighborhood. Do not hold up when they need the least of what we have. We give not just because we care. But we give because we love. We will play our drum, and as little Baby Jesus did in the song, smiling and acknowledging the little boy’s efforts, he is surely looking at us and smiling again.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we thank you for not withholding your mercies and grace from us and accepting us as we are. Help us to reflect your goodness and gentleness through our life. Let our actions and our voice, be the sound that lifts others from their negligence, their suffering and injustice. We pray all these in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Author: Mebanshem Lawai
About the Author: Mebanshem hails from Meghalaya. He completed his Bachelor of Divinity from Serampore College. He has worked with Student Christian Movement of India as the regional secretary, NEI region. He is currently serving as a probationary pastor with the Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Synod in-charge of the local congregation at Mawryngkneng Church, Meghalaya. Music is one of his interests.
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